Search for miracle integrated


Hello All,

I'm on a search for a very specific type of integrated. I am upgrading my system from the top of the stream down. I go all digital / Lossless quality or higher so the logical start was with the DAC. I just received my Yggdrasil which I absolutely LOVE and feel that I got a much better value than I was expecting (even with all the praise online it met and exceeded my expectations).

My quest continues with the integrated. I am looking for a company that spends very little on marketing and works to move as much of the value for the money to the product itself. Very high value is important to me, I want to get value above the price and I don't want to pay for anything I don't need (such as a built-in DAC as I already have one). The more musical and the higher the clarity the better. My short list is pretty short- the SimAudio Moon 600i and Ayre's integrated.  Some other factors are below. I typically buy new but I'm open to a good value in a used product as well.

Budget (only for the integrated): $8K+/-
Music preference: classical, light rock, pop
End speakers:  It is between Accoustic Zen Crescendo / Vandy Quatros / Wilson Sophias / Revel Salon Ultimas 
Power: 150 WPC+ into 8 ohm

xerotrace

Showing 4 responses by aardvarkbark

@austinbob -- ditto on the 'match the amp with the speaker' comment.  But I wonder how one decides where to start if not auditioning in pairs.  I recently upgraded to B&W 80s D2s (when learned no longer produced).  Paired with Ayre AX5Twenty integrated due to recommendation by dealer and great reviews.  Horrible combination.  Bright abrasive highs, no bottom end.  Was it the amp or the speakers?  Decided to substitute PASS INT-250 and the results are ideal -- detail, warmth, broad and deep imaging.
@melbguy1 -- I was considering the Vitus RI-100 since it's about the same price and has slightly more power.  Alas, Vitus does not have a service center in US.  In the unlikely event it would require service, I wouldn't be happy having to send it back to Denmark.
Actually, I purchased my INT-250 from Mike after confirming with him and directly with Vitus by email that (two months ago) there was no authorized service center in the US and that a unit requiring repair would indeed have to go abroad.  They say they are in discussions to establish one, but at this price point, I prefer the comfort of knowing that I can send my PASS to the manufacturer here in this country.  Frankly, one hopes these never require service, but the fact is that periodically they do.

Plus, I certainly don't regret my decision to get the PASS, so whether or not Vitus ever establishes US service center is now a non-issue for me.